GREEKS IN RETREAT

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10868, 7 April 1921, Page 5

GREEKS IN RETREAT

VERY HEAVY LOSSES ENEMY’S STRENGTH UNDERESTIMATED. WHOLE LINE FALLS BACK. By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright Published in "The Tunes-" (Received April 6, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, April 5. The “Times” Constantinople correspondent states that the Greeks underestimated the strength of the Turks, and attacked Eske-Shehir in insufficient force.' Their losses were of the heaviest, and the situation is critical. The Greek army is retreating along the whole line, and is attempting to hold the Kestel positions pending reinforcements, which are hurrying to the front. LEFT WINS OUTFLANKED * RETIREMENT~CAUSBS GRAVE SITUATION. (Received April 6, 5.5 p.m) LONDON, April 5. The “Daily Express” correspondent at Constantinople reports that the Creeks left wing was outflanked and forced to retreat. The whole front is now falling back east of Broussa . The retreat causes a grave situation as it uhcovers the Ismid Peninsula., opposite Constantinople. A SEVERE DEFEAT KILLED STATED AT 7000 OR 8000. PARIS, April 5. It is generally recognised that the Greeks have suffered a severe defeat Temps’ 5 says it is eviderafc *the Oreoks were driven back and can only resume the offensive -if they call up fresh classes. It is doubtful whether the reservists would respond to an order to replace the seven -thousand: or eight thousand reported to have been killed in the recent fighting. FIRST PHASE OVER. GREEK ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUCCESS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. ATHENS, April 5. 4 The first phase of the operations in Asia Minor has concluded. It resulted in the attainment of all objectives, including the railway isolation of Angora.